Our seniors have spent a lifetime building our community. They deserve the opportunity to continue living in West Kelowna, close to family, friends, and the support networks they rely on. 

Today, too many seniors face two major challenges: finding affordable housing and accessing timely health care. These are issues that require all levels of government to work together, but our City can play an important role in finding practical solutions and advocating for the services our residents need. 

The City's own Housing Needs Assessment identifies a serious shortage of affordable, accessible housing for seniors. By 2040, more than one in four West Kelowna residents will be over the age of 65, and today our community is already short by more than 400 dedicated senior housing units. We cannot afford to ignore this growing need. 

I support working with private developers, non-profit organizations, and senior housing providers to increase the supply of housing designed specifically for older adults. The City should encourage these projects by reducing or waiving Development Cost Charges and municipal planning fees for developments that address priority senior housing needs. 

I also believe in an "Aging in Place" approach. That means creating housing in walkable neighbourhoods close to grocery stores, pharmacies, medical services, parks, and public transit, while encouraging a wider variety of housing options that allow seniors to remain in the neighbourhoods they know and love. 

Housing is only part of the solution. Access to health care is equally important. I will continue to advocate for additional assisted living and long-term care spaces, and an emergency health care facility (ie hospital) our growing community deserves. West Kelowna must have a stronger voice with the Provincial Government to ensure we receive our fair share of health care investments. 

Many seniors are also unaware of valuable programs already available to help them. The City can do a better job of promoting resources such as the SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) program, the Senior Outreach and Resource Centre's housing directory, and the services provided by the Westside Health Network Society, including its Senior Services Navigator. 

Supporting seniors isn't simply about building more housing or adding more health services. It's about ensuring the people who built West Kelowna can continue to live here with dignity, independence, and peace of mind. As your City Councillor, I will work to make West Kelowna a community where seniors are valued, supported, and able to remain close to the people and places they call home.